FROM HOMELESSNESS TO INDEPENDENCE:
ARMY VETERAN, SAMUEL, IS A SYMBOL OF HOPE & SUCCESS
Army veteran, Samuel, is now a living example of
self-sufficiency and hope.
While Samaritan Community addresses the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, we are also continuing to provide our “regular” services to all members, whose needs may or may not be related to the crisis. Members like Samuel.
Before coming to Samaritan, Army veteran, Samuel, was homeless and finding shelter in an abandoned house. Around that same time, he stumbled upon Samaritan. He saw people going in through our red door and coming out with food, so he followed them in.
“They said ‘come on in’ and asked what they could do to make things better. They got some nourishment into me and got my weight up. I didn’t tell them or anyone else that I was homeless. I was ashamed and didn’t want anyone to discover how low I was down,” he recalls.
Samuel then began to attend the Breakfast Club and other Samaritan activities, keeping his homelessness a secret. He gained some employment but was unable to maintain it consistently due to a medical condition requiring surgery. After some time, Samuel became comfortable enough to reveal the true reason he resisted surgery. Samuel would not be able to work, so how would he be able to support himself and how could he recover, alone, in a vacant building?
With all secrets out, the real work with Samuel began. He had been unaware of housing assistance through Veterans Affairs (VA). He applied, but without the proper documentation, he kept being told his was being investigated. Samaritan found him temporary housing and enlisted our volunteer lawyer to help him with his case with the VA. In less than three months, Samuel was recovering from surgery, in his new apartment, receiving benefits he earned through service to our country.
Today, Samuel works part-time and takes great pride in his work, and is looking forward to the future.
“Samaritan is the best thing that happened to me. They showed me compassion and gave me hope. They also gave me enough courage to change my life,” says Samuel. “No matter the pain or struggle, there is no limit to what I can do. I want the way I live to be an example, to show others compassion and understanding.”
Samaritan Community thanks Samuel and all the men and women of our military for their service!